URGING THE DEPARTMENT OF LAND AND NATURAL RESOURCES DIVISION OF FORESTRY AND WILDLIFE TO PRIORITIZE THE RESTORATION AND PROTECTION OF ADDITIONAL WETLANDS AND ANCHIALINE POOLS.

This non-binding Senate Resolution urges Hawaii's Department of Land and Natural Resources (DLNR) to prioritize restoring and protecting wetlands and anchialine pools. It specifically directs DLNR's Division of Forestry and Wildlife to extend wetland protection policies to anchialine pools (unique coastal ecosystems) and prioritize wetland conservation in Kihei over development where feasible. The resolution emphasizes these natural areas' role in filtering water runoff, supporting endangered species, preventing coral reef damage, and avoiding costly future restoration. It does not create new laws but requests agency action based on environmental and economic benefits.